USPA vs. U.S. Teams

The U.S. Parachute Association does not currently give financial support to teams out of their operating budget. The U.S. Parachute Team Trust Fund is a “tax-exempt fund [that] holds all donations in irrevocable trust and the interest it earns is distributed evenly to U.S. Teams for international competition.” [Source: USPA]

In general, teams come up with the money to compete internationally through donations, fundraising, or out of their own pockets. So, should USPA raise member rates so they can give National teams money to represent the U.S. in international competition?

Comments/discussion highly encouraged :)

Should USPA raise member dues in order to financially support National teams at world competitions?

No (56%, 347 Votes)

No, USPA should not raise dues but they should financially support U.S. teams (28%, 173 Votes)

5 Comments

Much in the way of improvements or developments in the sport are a direct result of competitions. To be a professional Skydiver is difficult enough. Give those who dedicate themselves to promoting and improving the sport a little help.

It would be great to see a bit more support going to the US teams. The countries that fund their national teams certainly see return in the performance of their nations athletes. Maybe there should be an agressive campaign to build the US team trust fund? If there was a program to raise money for the team trust fund that had the type of effort that the Museum fund raising had, we could make some serious impact in a few years.

USPA has, for better or for worse, become the most widely recognised skydiving licence and training program around the world.

I am a USPA member, having gotten licences in Spain, Dubai and Thailand. However, I have no affiliation with the USA and do not want to sponsor US teams any more than I want to sponsor teams from Papua New Guinea.